My Lufthansa flight from Los Angeles to Munich was departing at 5:15PM, and I got to LAX at around 2PM, plenty early. Lufthansa departs from Tom Bradley International Terminal, and the shared Lufthansa and Swiss check-in desk is in the "C" area, at the far right of the terminal. There was a dedicated first class…
Continue reading: Review: Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX
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I was just there about a week and a half ago, also for LAX-MUC! And I also had the steak salad with gorgonzola, I thought the steak was cooked just right. The macarons were also really good, especially the almond ones.
Did you have the new face recognition gates at boarding? I think my flight was the first time they were using them. You just look at the camera, it recognizes you, and you board. No scanning BPs or anything, pretty neat!
I've been fortunate to see both the first and business class lounges. I agree that the view is better in the business lounge. I like the quietness of the first lounge and the ability to order from a menu, with a wider range of options than are available at the business buffet. I agree that the first lounge buffet is weak, but I found the food at the business buffet to be underwhelming.
Love your reviews, keep 'em coming.
Thank you for the time and effort spent to document this lounge with flattering pics. I just wished the lounge staff was trained with the same exacting standards used on board the F cabin.
Without a doubt the TBIT is the best terminal in the US and will only get better once the midfield concourse opens
The only problem is the landside check in. They should expand it over to where the garages are to the east. I believe that was in the original plan. Then it could be linked to terminals 3/4.
I’ll try the security on the lower level next time should there be long lines onto the mezzanine
@zymm BA was testing the biometric facial recognition. I’m not sure whether other airlines are. I guess once it’s tried and tested more will do
Strongly prefer first class lounge; business class can be super hectic at times. The made to order food was good when I was last in the F lounge. Not sure why small us a problem, it’s much bigger than LH F’s cabin.
Such a nice review, Lucky!
I am torn when traveling. On one hand, I like to enjoy the finer things, like the lounge. On the other hand, a true rich person may think they don't need to take advantage of the benefits and arrive at the last possible moment. They board just as the doors close.
Maybe I missed it, but can you access upon arrival? Say, arriving NRT-LAX on ANA F?
I really don't think that First Class passengers should have to get anything for themselves. I mean what's First Class about a self-serve buffet? DIY noodles -- really? I'm not being a snob, but if First Class means anything, it should mean the height of service and pampering.
@ Lucky
“...and not feel like you’re in a library.”
Some of us actually like libraries.
@ The nice Paul -- I do as well, when the time is right. But that time usually isn't prior to a longhaul flight, while having a glass of champagne, while eating a meal, and potentially while having to make a phone call or two.
Just before a long haul flight is *exactly* the time I want a calm, quiet space, away from hassles and noise and, preferably, away from other people.
Different folks, etc.
@ The nice Paul -- But I'm about to board a longhaul flight where I have exactly that -- a quiet, calm space away from hassles and other people!
@John, they scan your boarding pass at the door and we were not allowed to enter the lounge when we arrived a few weeks ago from an Air New Zealand business class flight RAR-LAX(without an onward business class domestic ticket.) We are also arriving from NRT to LAX in ANA F in a couple of months and I was assuming that we won't have access based on our last experience.
@Jane- the lounge only allow international departure. I once arrived from Asiana Airlines business class and had an onward United Airlines first class domestic flight. They did not let me in and said it is only for international departure.
@Sean this is a phrase taken from Aristotle's quote "one swallow does not a summer make"
It was translated into old English when syntax was different from ours today, but the translator probably was trying to be clever or make the rest of the quote more poetic. Possibly artistic license, but it has been adapted as a saying to pretty much everything "one xxx does not a yyy make"
And that's the most disgusting avocado toast I've ever seen... the whole point is that it's supposed to look good.
The best thing of the Business class lounge is the outdoor seating area! The best place to spend the time until boarding.
Agree about the Avocado Toast. I ordered it a couple weeks ago and it was like it's description on the menu. It was slices of avocado on grainy baguette cut diagonally. It was delicious. They must have run out if both on Lucky's day and some "chef" made a substitution.
The Poke is very good and so is the French Dip. The charcuterie is variable. Probably availability issues like the Avocado Toast.
I have never seen a more dull/uninviting FC lounge.
There is a marvelous invention called: fresh flowers
I thought so exactly as well with the reading materials. Yet, I immediately realized that there weren’t any Chinese reading materials. What about ZH; CA, or BR? They are definitely part of Star Alliance. The list and reasons can go on, but this is just my own personal thought. Err....not given sense to at least CA and BR since they do fly to LAX, too.
That’s twice now I have seen the toilet seat up in your photos. Did you find it that way or did you leave it that way? As someone who makes a living behind a camera I can’t imagine taking a photograph like that, let alone putting it on display in my blog. You can do better and you should.
I was there for the first time last week and agree with your take on the place. The only thing inspiring was sitting across from Pam Anderson.
OK, agree about the avocado toast travesty, but really, they need to find a high school graduate to proofread the menu.
The huevos rancheros apparently have something called "crème fresh" with them (how about crème fraîche?). And French Dip *with* Au Jus? Really? Why not potatoes with au gratin or pie with à la mode? Soup of the du jour, anyone? Not sure if I really want it mixed with the Dashi Miso Soup, anyway.
Then there's the Ahi Poke, which is apparently "Topped with Avocado an (sic) Fried Wonton."
Someone call the police! There's language mass murder going on in that lounge!
I was there 8 days ago for my ANA flight to Narita. Omelette was just ok. Btw, at check-in I asked for someone to escort me through the “secret” security. The lady checked me in said they were understaffed and I would need to make such request in advance. Luckily my carry-on was not chosen to be searched.
The First Class lounge is small, quiet l, and intimate. It does not impress compared to First Class Lounges at a Heathrow or Frankfurt. For Tom Bradley it is above average. We have been there twice recently and the staff and service were very good.
Would I try and get there hours in advance of my flight? NO! That being said, it was fine, just not outstanding as the BA First Class lounge is or the Lufthansa First Class lounge or Terminsl is.
A quick FYI regarding your nice photograph of the 'Herman Miller' chair:
The Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman are furnishings made of molded plywood and leather, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller furniture company. They are officially titled Eames Lounge and Ottoman and were released in 1956 after years of development by designers.
Sorry, I don't want to sound ungrateful..but this lounge looks and conveys mediocrity as a F lounge..they should definitely let LH or LX help them manage one and show how they do it in FRA or ZRH in their respective F lounges...
As a seasoned first class traveller (cash travel not points), this is one of my least favourite first class lounges.
I visited this lounge last time I flew Singapore Suites and largely agree. I came to the first class lounge to order a nice meal off the menu, then spent the rest of my time enjoying the business class lounge, which is quite good and very relaxing. The outdoor area overlooking the terminal is excellent. I'm not sure what they were thinking, wedging first class patrons into a side closet when there's such a great, open space right next door. Interesting choices! (Though if we're being honest, I also tend to eat dinner in Singapore's "private room" then wade out into the business class lounge for a more open feel as well).
That "secret" TSA checkpoint is used all the time for celebrities, so many paparazzi videos on youtube show them following the person to the door basically. I wonder if I can just show up and use it.
I am a One World traveler and always wondered if I was missing something with Star Alliance. Seeing this, I would say no. OW First lounge is much bigger and has a really great buzz. Food is hit and miss, but better than Star menu. I really look forward to OW first lounge at start of trip. Thanks for the review.
The main thing about the F lounge for me is someone will serve you while in the J lounge you basically fend for yourself.
"I hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so I ordered something. First I had a glass of champagne."
You crack me up, Lucky.
Does I need a FirstClass Tix to get access in the FirstClass Lounge or can I get access as a Star Alliance Gold Member?